'Our Risk, Their Reward': Zohran Mamdani on AI and Data Centers
Ahead of the 2026 midterms, WIRED spoke with New York City's mayor about data centers, AI in schools, and the future of the Democratic Party.
By Katie Drummond | The Big Story | November 3, 2026
Overview
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, the debate over artificial intelligence has moved from boardrooms and research labs into city halls and statehouses. Few elected officials have staked out a more distinctive position than New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose framing of the AI boom—"Our risk, their reward"—has become a rallying cry for critics of unchecked data center expansion.
In this WIRED interview, Mamdani discusses the growing energy and infrastructure demands of data centers, the role of AI in public schools, and what he sees as the future direction of the Democratic Party.
Key Themes
- Data centers and local costs: Mamdani argues that the burdens of large-scale AI infrastructure—energy consumption, land use, and community disruption—fall disproportionately on residents, while the financial rewards accrue to a handful of technology companies.
- AI in schools: The mayor addresses how New York City's public school system should approach AI tools, balancing digital literacy against concerns over equity and student privacy.
- The Democratic Party's tech agenda: With the midterms on the horizon, Mamdani weighs in on how Democrats should position themselves on artificial intelligence and technology policy.
Read the full interview at WIRED.
via Wired AI